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Friday, April 25, 2014

The People

Sandy beaches once devastated by a tsunami are now beautiful and full of people. Beaches are full of tourists enjoying the beautiful waves and amazing view forgetting their problems and the tsunami that had destroyed the very beach they sit. T-shirt shops and restaurants are full of customers and the owners and worker happy with the success. Thai men and women working to make items to sell in local shops and local restaurants creating dishes that would make anybody's mouth water. Adventures are endless and cameras are everywhere. It is almost hard to believe that a tsunami ten years ago made many of these pleasures almost disappear. In that time Thailand's tourism industry had practically made full recovery. Other than the broken hearts from the lives lost, Thailand is back on its feet. Travel daily news reports that Thailand tourism was at a record breaking high in 2013 and Skit.com reports a possible increase in tourism in 2014.

When you look at the before and after images and stories of the Thailand tourism industry recovery, you can't help but think of the efforts made by the people of Thailand. Their lives were ruined; many of their homes were gone, there businesses in destroyed and they were left to grieve for loved ones never to return. Yet they have found a way to move on and make the best of what they have. They rebuilt and hoped that tourist would come to help them. Yes, it is up to us, tourists, to help the recovery, but there would be nothing to visit, to see, to purchase, eat and experiences to enjoy if it weren't for the Thai people rising above it all and making it possible for us to return to Thailand.


What you can do

As we have learned Thailand's tourism industry significantly contributes to Thailand's economy. Yet after a natural disaster the majority of tourists avoid the countries affected by the disaster. This results in a decrease in revenue which affects the people and the country's economy. Yes, there are many safety concerns and it may not the best idea to pack your bags and head to ground zero of a disaster. But do we stay away too long? After the cleanup is finished and the rebuilding is on its way why are tourists still avoiding these destinations? Is it because they don't know that it is safe to return? Do they think they will miss out on many of the comforts other places will be able to provide to them? Once a disaster hit, are tourist too afraid to return in fear that the same tragedy will happen while they are on their vacation? Here are some ways you can still support the local economy of disaster affected areas like Thailand after the tsunami in 2004.

1. Do your research. Research hotels and tourist destinations to find places that have been least affected by the disaster. Many times hotels reservations are sold at a discount hoping to attract potential tourists.

2. Look for a local booking agency. It may be easier to book through an travel agency, however, your purpose is to support the local economy of your destination, so make sure the booking agency is located in the country you are planning to visit and are focused on keeping the revenue in that area.

3. Don't rubberneck. After some natural disasters the area is not safe for a while and authorities have had to turn them away. Make sure you know that the area is safe so that you do not cause unnecessary chaos.

4. Be flexible and have a backup plan. You may have done a lot of research and planned the trip perfectly, but you may not know your destination is like until you actually get there. You may not be able to get to some of the places you hoped to see. Be familiar with other hotels and routes just in case they are less than what was advertised.

5. Be aware of the warning systems. After the tsunami in Thailand, warning systems have been put in place to ensure enough warning for the people of Thailand. There are apps and other resources to help you know that if it does happen while you are on vacation you have enough time to get to safety.

6. Remember why you are there. You may be visiting to have an experience of a life time but you also are there to support people affected by the disaster. Remember to buy from the local people, places dedicated to helping the local people and Fair Trade.


Luckily, through a slow process Thailand has had the opportunity to recover from the 2004 tsunami. This brings one to think, could the tourism industry have the opportunity to recover faster had people decided not to avoid this destination even though it was safe to return?